Skip to content

Delaware

CURRENT STATUS: Pending Bills

We’re Building Momentum in Delaware

In 2023, the Delaware legislature introduced The Ron Silverio/Heather Block Delaware End of Life Options Act (HB 140). If passed, this bill would allow residents in Delaware to access to medical aid in dying.

SIGN OUR PETITION to let us know you’re ready to bring Death with Dignity to Delaware, and we’ll share the ways you can get involved in the fight locally and nationally.

Death with Dignity laws have been proven effective at improving healthcare quality at the end of life, regardless of whether or not an individual chooses to hasten their death.

Share

Delaware

Timeline of Death with Dignity in Delaware

2023

2023

Session Ends, Bill Carries Over to 2024 Legislative Session

  • The session ends on June 30, and the bill crosses over to the next legislative session in 2024.
  • In May, HB 140 passes out of Health and Human Development Committee and awaits a House floor vote.
  • Delaware lawmakers reintroduce The Ron Silverio/Heather Block Delaware End of Life Options Act (HB 140), and is referred to the House Health & Human Development Committee.

2021

2021

Bill Moves to Committee Too Late

In the 2021/2022 session, The Ron Silverio/Heather Block Delaware End of Life Options Act (HB 140), is assigned to the House Health & Human Development Committee on the final day of the session, just before the Delaware General Assembly adjourns. The bill does not advance.

2020

2020

Positive Poll Results

A 2020 GBAO Strategies poll finds 72 percent of Delaware residents support aid-in- dying legislation.

2019

2019

Bill Pulled from Consideration

Delaware introduces HB140. The bill is heard in a house committee and later pulled from consideration by the sponsor.

2017

2017

House Voted Delayed and Bill Does not Advance

Representative Paul Baumbach (D) introduces HB160, End of Life Options Act. The bill goes to the full House after referral by the House Health and Human Development Committee. Rolled into 2018, a vote in the House is twice delayed. The bill does not advance.

2015

2015

Representative Paul Baumbach Step Up as Sponsor

Representative Paul Baumbach sponsors HB150. Neither bill moves forward.